What happened
On June 11, 2021, at 17:20 UTC, a Boeing 737-230, registration YV380T, operated by RUTAS AÉREAS C.A. (RUTACA), was performing a flight from Maiquetia International Airport (SVMI) to Tocumen International Airport (MPTO) in Panama. The aircraft was carrying 92 people, including 09 crew members and 83 passengers.
During the takeoff roll, the crew observed malfunctions in the airspeed indicator. Following established Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the flight crew initiated an aborted takeoff. The aircraft returned to the apron under its own power. There were no injuries to the occupants, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.
The investigation
The investigation by JIAAC focused on the technical failure of the captain's airspeed indicator. Investigators examined maintenance records from the previous day, June 10, 2021, when a pitot tube light had been reported due to high temperatures. Records show that the pitot tube was replaced on that date; however, the maintenance procedure did not include blowing out the lines, as it was not specified in the applicable manual.
Investigators also performed inspections and hot tests on the captain's airspeed indicator (No. 1). The investigation included a photographic review of the aircraft and an analysis of the components retained for evidence, specifically a GE Aviation Systems air speed indicator.